Michael Cheika claims officiating error ‘decided’ Premiership clash as referees chief admits to technology gaffe
Cadan Murley goes over for controversial Harlequins try and Leicester Tigers boss Michael Cheika.
Leicester Tigers boss Michael Cheika has revealed that the officials admitted to a mistake which led to Harlequins scoring a crucial try last weekend.
The East Midlands side played out a thrilling 34-34 draw against Harlequins in Big Game 16 at Twickenham on Saturday.
However, Leicester were unhappy with Cadan Murley’s second score which gave the hosts a 34-27 advantage going into the final 10 minutes.
It was assisted by number eight Alex Dombrandt, whose quick hands sent the Quins wing scampering away to complete his brace, but the Tigers felt that it was clearly forward.
The process
Television match official Andrew Jackson reviewed the footage provided to him at the time but indicated to referee Matthew Carley that there was no clear evidence to overrule the on-field call.
Cheika wrote to the RFU’s head of professional match officials, Paul Hull, about the decision and was told that the necessary camera angle to see that the pass was forward was not provided to Jackson.
“We went through the official channels and I felt that the feedback from the referee contingent was quite good, they got back to us pretty promptly and they were pretty clear that it was a forward pass,” Cheika told reporters.
“They came back and said the struggle was with the technology, getting the correct view of the pass. I personally don’t like that. We’re bringing technology into the game for a certain reason.
“But I appreciate the honesty from the referee, sometimes that happens. When it comes with direct links to how results go, it’s not optimal.
“I like the fact that the referee let that play through because he’s got the technology to make the decision afterwards. So yes, let it play through if you’re not 100 per cent sure, but then make sure.
“That’s a pretty simple process for a pass [like that]. It shouldn’t be an issue where the technology gets in the way of a decision that decides a game.”
Costly call
Leicester did hit back to draw the Premiership match late on through Dan Cole’s converted try, but Cheika felt that the decision to award Murley’s score cost them a potentially important victory.
“To be honest, you just have to look at the replay on the big screen. The TMO just had to look at the replay and say it’s a forward pass,” the head coach added.
“It was pretty obviously forward, I think even some of the Harlequins players sort of pulled up when it happened.
“But look, it’s done now. It cost us a couple of points but that’s life, we’ll have to get them back somewhere else. There’s no point crying over spilt milk, it’s done and dusted.”
